Independence Bowl Officials, Duck Commander representatives and the media assembled today at Superior Steakhouse to make the worst kept secret in North Louisiana official: The Duck Commander Independence Bowl is coming to Shreveport!

First and foremost, the return of the Independence Bowl moniker is going to make locals happy. The Independence Bowl is the 11th oldest bowl game in America, and last year's game was the first time "Independence" was absent from the title. Bowl officials stated that Duck Commander insisted that the name return to the title.

Photo: Justin Massoud

It seems like a perfect fit: Duck Commander and the Independence Bowl. Duck Commander, based in West Monroe, is just down the road from Shreveport. Half of all hunters watch college football, says Independence Bowl officials, and more than 10 million college football fans have hunted in the last year. Duck Commander has their hand in cuisine. Louisiana is know for its cuisine.

Duck calls were handed out to all the media members. The gimmicks and partnership possibilities are seemingly endless.

I think you can expect more food, more fun, more exposure, more interest and more beards surrounding all the events around and leading to 2014's Duck Commander Independence Bowl.

Bill Glenn, President of the Breakout Group, was the key architect of this partnership. Glenn spoke and pointed out how this deal truly differentiates the bowl:

College football, patriotism, military appreciation and the state of Louisiana offered a nearly perfect strategic alignment. The partnership puts the Independence Bowl in a distinct, national position among nearly 40 bowls in 2014 and it offers Duck Commander an excellent promotional platform in their home state. The bowl will be distinguished by it's title partner, name and its opportunity to also enhance the fan experience with major events related to outdoors, music and cuisine.

Photo: Justin Massoud

The partnership with Duck Commander, the Independence Bowl's sixth title sponsor, will run through 2019. Its broadcast agreement with ESPN runs through 2019.

In addition, its primary conference partnerships with the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference and it's secondary agreements with Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference run through 2019.

Willie donned his usual red, white and blue bandanna. The new Duck Commander Independence Bowl logo was revealed: of course, it's also red, white and blue. There will also be secondary logos in hunter orange and camouflage for merchandising purposes.